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Fanbase Press Interviews Ed Piskor on the Upcoming Release of ‘Red Room’ Through Fantagraphics

The following is an interview with award-winning comic book writer/artist Ed Piskor regarding the upcoming release of his creator-owned, sci-fi/horror series, Red Room, through Fantagraphics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Piskor about the creative process in bringing the oversized first issue to life, why Fantagraphics makes the perfect home for the series, and more!


Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Red Room!  As this series will exist within a shared universe, what can you tell us about the series’ premise?

Ed Piskor: There is an underground subculture/entertainment where sickos are taking advantage of the anonymity of the dark web to livestream murders for tip money (via untraceable bitcoin) to cloaked voyeurs who can afford the luxury. Given that premise, there are many different ways to look at this singular problem and that’s how Red Room, the comic, will function.

BD: The oversized, 64-page first issue deftly weaves together cyberpunk, outlaw, and splatterpunk influences. How would you describe your creative process in bringing together these aesthetics, and what (or who) were some of your creative influences?

EP: By the time I commit pencil to paper on a new comic, the idea has been swirling around in my mind for years and years. All the while I’m accumulating data. That sounds extra nerdy. What I’m really doing is just indulging in the media that I like which contains a similar spirit. I always loved the duotone artwork of comics like the original TMNT, Dragon Chiang, Faust, The Crow, and any number of weird Caliber Press comics from the late ’80s and ’90s. Red Room is the perfect comic to play with that rawboned art style. Comparative titles in a literary sense would be paperback novels from the ’80s by guys like Jack Ketchum, Richard Laymon, Rex Miller, and a dash of Joe R Lansdale.

BD: For listeners of Cartoonist Kayfabe, will you and co-host Jim Rugg be revealing any details regarding the series in upcoming episodes?

EP: I plan on using that platform for a bunch of things. I livestream the inking sessions as I complete each page. There will be director’s commentaries. Lots of stuff.

BD: What makes Fantagraphics the perfect home for this series?

EP: We’ve done great business together for almost 10 years, and my publishers are available to work with me on things at a moment’s notice. Can’t ask for anything more.

BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?

EP: Red Room is at the front of my thoughts for the rest of this year and maybe next year.

BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Red Room?

EP: Read the text on the front cover of issue 1. You’ll immediately know if it’s your thing or not. You’ve been warned!

Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief

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